Contrary to the earlier promise of domestic flight resumption, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed that only emergency and essential flights would be allowed to operate.
The directive was issued by the Director-General of the NCAA, Musa Nuhu through all operators' letters.
The DG made it clear that resumption of domestic flights and airport openings are hereby postponed till further notice.
The statement partly reads;
“Following the announcement by the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 on the resumption of domestic flights, we wish to inform the industry that the resumption of domestic flights has been postponed until such a time when a new date is determined and announced,” the letter read.
“Emergency and essential flights are exempted from this restriction but shall comply with existing COVID-19 protocols for approvals and flight
The Nigerian airports were closed since March, 23 following the directive to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic across Nigeria.
NCAA had earlier announced that they were considering re-opening for domestic flight operation from 21st June 2020 but the Presidential Task Force on the COVID-19 after careful assessment advised the NCAA that it was too risky for now.
Meanwhile, a new date would be announced after soon after a proper appraisal of the situation in collaboration with other major stakeholders is concluded.